Eight-year-old Tanishka Garg from Bathinda has shattered records to become Punjab’s youngest female FIDE-rated chess player at just 8 years and 4 months, following a breakthrough performance at the National Chess Tournament (Under-9) in Gurugram earlier this year.
Her official rating, announced in the August 2025 FIDE update, has been celebrated by chess officials, coaches, her school, and the wider community as a landmark for gender and youth representation in Indian chess.
Early Discovery and Meteoric Rise
Tanishka’s introduction to chess was accidental: she first accompanied her elder brother to lessons with a neighbourhood coach at the age of four. What began as simple observation soon turned to active engagement, she was competing in formal tournaments by five, encouraged by her mother and recognised early for her tactical flair. “
After a month or two, her coach felt she had picked up well and should participate in a tournament,” recalled her mother, Meenu Garg. Her rapid progress saw her secure second place at the Punjab State Under-9 Championship at age six and, soon after, she stunned the field by earning two out of five points in the senior women’s event in Bathinda—despite being half the age of her competitors. These remarkable early results prompted her parents to support professional training.
Achievements and Official Recognition
The requirements to obtain a FIDE rating are rigorous: a player must face at least five rated opponents and achieve a performance score above the international floor of 1,400 points. Tanishka’s standout performance in the Under-9 category in Gurugram propelled her rating to 1,452, with the International Chess Federation confirming her entry into the official ranks in August 2025.
Presently a Class III student at Silver Oaks School, Bathinda, Tanishka has earned accolades such as three state titles (twice in Under-7, once in Under-9) and the “youngest player” award on seven occasions. Ankush Kathuria, president of the Punjab State Chess Association, remarked, “Her story is one of discipline, perseverance, and the unwavering support of her family,” and credited her parents with laying the groundwork for her rise.
Her current coaching team includes Sourabh Arora and Deepak Batra.
Support Network and Community Impact
Tanishka’s ascent has drawn acclaim not just for her individual talent, but also for the ecosystem that has enabled her growth. Parents Bhushan and Meenu Garg shared how every achievement reflected the shared sacrifices and efforts within the family. Silver Oaks School has amplified her achievements, while the Bathinda chess fraternity sees her success as validation of their efforts to nurture youth potential.
As per TOI, Kathuria highlighted, “This incredible milestone is a story of steadfast dedication, discipline and love for the game… Her journey is a reminder to every family that dreams come true when pursued with sincerity, consistency and sacrifice.” Tanishka’s achievements have inspired younger girls to engage with chess more seriously and prompted calls for greater institutional support for sport at the grassroots, especially for girls.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Tanishka Garg’s pioneering achievement is a testament to what Indian children, especially girls, can accomplish when afforded encouragement, opportunity, and a supportive environment. Her journey, strengthened by family, school, and mentors, breaks stereotypes and signals the promise of a truly inclusive sporting culture.
